Miss Topsy 1960s

Mary Elizabeth Thompson, AKA “Miss Topsy” worked as a burlesque dancer over the course of 1962 into the 1970’s. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri and worked as a secretary before taking up dancing. Miss Topsy was a top performer and adored all throughout Europe, Asia and The United States. She was one of the first African-American women to headline a an event outside of the United States. She left burlesque to lead a more simple life and raise a family